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Wikipedia / Len Lesser

Leonard King Lesser (December 3, 1922 – February 16, 2011) was an American character actor and comedian, best known for his recurring role as Uncle Leo, Jerry Seinfeld's uncle in the American sitcom television series Seinfeld. He was also known for his recurring role as Garvin on Everybody Loves Raymond.

Early life

Lesser was born in New York City in 1922. His father, a grocer, was a Jewish immigrant from Poland. Lesser received his bachelor's degree from the City College of New York in 1942 at the age of 19. Lesser enlisted in the United States Army the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and served in the China Burma India Theater during World War II. While there, he was promoted to sergeant.

Career

Lesser was a prolific character actor in film, TV and on stage. He appeared on American television steadily beginning in 1955 on programs such as That Girl, The Untouchables, Peter Gunn, Have Gun - Will Travel, Mr. Lucky, The Outer Limits, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Gunsmoke, Kentucky Jones, Green Acres, Get Smart, Bat Masterson, Family Affair, The Monkees, Quincy, M.E., The Rockford Files, The Amazing Spider-Man, Mad About You, All in the Family, Boy Meets World, Smart Guy, My Favorite Martian, The Munsters, and Castle. Lesser was in two episodes of Bonanza "Caution, Easter Bunny Crossing", March 29, 1970, and "Heritage of Anger", September 19, 1972. He appeared in a variety of films such as Birdman of Alcatraz (1962), How to Stuff a Wild Bikini (1965), Kelly's Heroes (1970), Blood and Lace (1971), Dirty Little Billy (1972), Papillon (1973), Truck Stop Women (1974), The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976), Supervan (1977), Moonshine County Express (1977), Ruby (1977), Death Hunt (1981), Take This Job and Shove It (1981), Grandmother's House (1988) and Baadasssss! (2003). He also guest starred on the Sabrina the Teenage Witch episode "Tick Tock Hilda's Clock."

Later years

Lesser had a recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond as Garvin, a friend of Frank Barone, who always lifted his arms in excitement whenever he saw Ray (just as Lesser did in his recurring role on Seinfeld as "Uncle Leo" whenever he saw his nephew Jerry). He also appeared in Jeff Seymour's stage production of Cold Storage at the University of Toronto's George Ignatieff Theatre.

Personal life and death

Lesser was married to fellow actor Janice "Jan" Burrell, from 1954 until they divorced in 1982. The couple had two children, a son and daughter. During the course of their marriage, the couple also collaborated professionally on at least a few occasions: on the stage in 1964, and at least one time onscreen, when both appeared, albeit not together, in the 1977 horror film, Ruby. In July 1987, the ex-spouses appeared on the same bill; Lesser paired with Ivy Bethune, and Burrell, with Michael Champion, in an evening of one-act plays at the first annual L.A. Playwrights' Festival.

On February 16, 2011, Lesser died of cancer-related pneumonia in Burbank, California, at the age of 88. He was survived by his children and three grandchildren.

After learning of Lesser's death, Jerry Seinfeld said of him,Len was one of our favorites. We always loved having him on the show. I'll never forget when Uncle Leo was in prison and tattooed "Jerry Hello" on his knuckles. He was a very sweet guy. Another Seinfeld castmate, Jason Alexander, tweeted,Thanks to all of you for your kind remarks re: Len Lessor [sic]. Tonight was the opening of Gigi at my beloved Reprise Theater Company and I've only returned at this late hour to hear the news. ... "Hellooo" Uncle Leo. And goodbye. Sleep well. Much love. Jason.

Selected filmography

References